California Contractor Insurance
Asena Capital Insurance Services — California-licensed insurance brokerage serving contractors statewide. Phone: (858) 925-9555. Email: info@asenainsurance.com.
In California, a handyman without a CSLB license can only take jobs under the minor work exemption: under $1,000 in labor and materials combined, no building permit required, and no employees (AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025). Unlicensed handymen who advertise must say they are not licensed. Above that, a CSLB license is required.
Modesto has 1,245 active CSLB contractor licenses (September 2026); work above the minor-work limit must go to one of them.
For handymen, underwriters focus first on: damage to customers' homes and belongings; and falls from ladders. See the full coverage guide for handymen for limits, endorsements and workers' comp rules.
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for Modesto contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.
When a job is $1,000 or more in labor and materials, needs a permit, or you employ anyone for it.